The Hidden Secret (Al-Muddath-thir)
In the name of God, The Most Gracious, The Dispenser of Grace
O you who covers himself [with a garment], 1 Arise, and warn. 2 And thy Sustainer's greatness glorify! 3 Purify your inner self, 4 and flee from the statues! 5 do not bestow a favour in the expectation of receiving more in return; 6 and be patient unto thy Lord. 7 For when the trumpet is sounded, 8 that day will be a harsh day, 9 Far from easy for those without Faith. 10 Leave Me and him whom I created alone, 11 and to whom I have granted resources in abundance, 12 and children living in his presence, 13 And for whom I smoothed everything. 14 Yet he wants that I should give him more. 15 By no means! For to Our Signs he has been refractory! 16 and I shall constrain him to a hard ascent. 17 Lo! He reflected, and determined -- 18 So may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. 19 Again, ruin seize him, how did he hatch a scheme? 20 Then he looked round; 21 then he frowned, and scowled, 22 then he retreated, and waxed proud. 23 and said: 'This is no more than traced sorcery; 24 Naught is this but the word of Man. 25 Soon will I cast him into Hell-Fire! 26 And what will explain to thee what Hell-Fire is? 27 It spares nothing; it leaves nothing intact; 28 Scorching the skin. 29 Over it are nineteen (guards). 30 For We have caused none but angelic powers to lord over the fire [of hell]; and We have not caused their number to be aught but a trial for those who are bent on denying the truth - to the end that they who have been granted revelation aforetime might be convinced [of the truth of this divine writ]; and that they who have attained to faith [in it] might grow yet more firm in their faith; and that [both] they who have been granted the earlier revelation and they who believe [in this one] might be freed of all doubt; and that they in whose hearts is disease and they who deny the truth outright might ask, "What does [your] God mean by this parable?" In this way God lets go astray him that wills [to go astray,] and guides aright him that wills [to be guided]. And none can comprehend thy Sustainers forces save Him alone: and all this is but a reminder to mortal man. 31